Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh saw his team fall just short in losing to the New England Patriots in last season's AFC title game. He still sees a black mark, however, in how the Patriots achieved their great success under Bill Belichick — based on what happened five years ago.

In an interview with Baltimore FM radio station WIYY 97.9 ("98 Rock") on Tuesday morning, Harbaugh fielded a question about the New Orleans Saints' current bounty scandal, and used it as an opportunity to the revisit the Patriots' Spygate controversy from 2007 — when it was revealed the team had videotaped the opposition's defensive signals in a game against the New York Jets.

"In the end, everything is brought before the light of day," Harbaugh told the radio station. "Even the thing in New England, no matter whether those things had any impact on whether they won their championships or not, they got asterisks now, it’s been stained."

Although, unlike the case of the Saints, the NFL's disciplinary action toward the Patriots didn't include suspensions for Belichick, other team officials and players, it was significant. Belichick was fined $500,000, and it cost the franchise both $250,000 and a first-round pick in the 2009 draft.

Harbaugh also suggested during the interview that other opponents have broken the rules to gain an advantage over his Ravens. Part of his frustration has then come from the fact his team has found success while staying in strict accordance with the league rules.

"If you’re cheating, in the end, you’re going to get discredited," Harbaugh said. "It’s just not worth it."

Harbaugh, however, made it a point to clarify his comments on Tuesday afternoon, that didn't intend to take anything from the jobs Belichick and Saints coach Sean Payton have done.

He did that through a statement issued by the Ravens:

"While on the 98 Rock show this morning to talk about the run to honor O.J. Brigance and raise funds for ALS research, I answered a question about playing within the rules and referred to the perception that the Super Bowl championships won by the Patriots and Saints have a stain.

"My reference was to the perception out there that came as the result of the league's actions. I could have been more clear that I was referring to those viewpoints. I totally believe that the Patriot and Saint coaches and players earned those championships. Bill and Sean both know that," Harbaugh said.

Harbaugh's initial comments to 98 Rock set off a new controversy for talking heads, including ESPN's Tedy Bruschi, a former Patriots linebacker under Belichick. Bruschi used his television platform to defend the work of Patriots players who contributed to Belichick's three Super Bowl wins in five appearances.

"I have so much respect for Coach Belichick and the job he does and has accomplished in his Hall of Fame career," Harbaugh continued in the statement. "I called him to remind him of my respect for him. I also reached out to Tedy Bruschi, who rightfully defended those Patriot players and coaches on ESPN, to tell him that I agree with him that the Patriots earned every victory."

The Ravens were dealt a frustrating 23-30 loss in New England in January that prevented them from getting to the Super Bowl, but Harbaugh was, as usual, gracious in defeat toward Belichick. As the two teams figure to remain strong AFC title contenders in 2012, there's a good chance the two coaches will meet again in another high-stakes playoff game.